Can I get Medicaid if I have a job?

Yes, you can get Medicaid while working

Having a job doesn't stop you from qualifying for Medicaid. What matters is your income. If you earn enough to support yourself comfortably, you may not qualify. But if your income is low enough, you can get Medicaid even if you work full-time.

The income rule

In states that expanded Medicaid, most adults aged 19–64 qualify if their income is up to 138% of the federal poverty level. For 2026, that's about $15,960 a year for one person, or $33,000 for a family of four in most states. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits.

Your state may have different rules. Some states that didn't expand Medicaid have stricter income limits or cover only specific groups like children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with disabilities.

What counts as income

Medicaid counts your wages from your job, but may not count all of it. Some income sources don't count, and there may be deductions that lower your countable income. The exact rules depend on your state.

What to do next

Apply for Medicaid through your state's Medicaid agency or at HealthCare.gov, which will send your application to your state. You can apply any time of year. Applying is free, and only your state Medicaid agency decides whether you qualify.